Lisa Chambers
Ceist:103. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the informal Heads of Government summit in Salzburg and, in particular, his meeting with the UK Prime Minister, Theresa May. [39023/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraEuropean Council Meetings
Ceisteanna (103)
Freagraí scríofa
I attended the Informal Summit in Salzburg on 19 / 20 September where I met with my EU counterparts. We discussed migration, internal security and Brexit.
On Brexit, Prime Minister May presented the UK perspective after dinner on Wednesday evening.
The EU27 met in Article 50 format the following day to review progress in the negotiations and to discuss next steps.
Michel Barnier provided his assessment of progress in the negotiations on the Withdrawal Agreement to date, on issues that remain to be resolved.
On the Protocol on Northern Ireland and Ireland, Mr Barnier outlined his efforts to ‘de-dramatise’ the backstop. Partners expressed strong support for Mr. Barnier and his mandate as EU negotiator. They also reiterated their steadfast solidarity with Ireland on its unique concerns, and the need to ensure that a legally operable version of the backstop is included in the Withdrawal Agreement.
I also had a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Theresa May in the margins of the Summit on Thursday 20 September.
I reiterated that I hope the future relationship between the EU and the UK will be as close, comprehensive and ambitious as possible, but that it is essential that the Withdrawal Agreement, including the Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland, is agreed first.
I stressed too, that there is not much time left if we are to conclude a Withdrawal Agreement, and have it operational by the time the UK leaves the EU.
The PM said that the UK would be bringing forward proposals for a backstop.
I also raised the current political situation in Northern Ireland and underlined the need to get the devolved institutions up and running again.
Defence Forces Equipment
Ceisteanna (104)
Tom Neville
Ceist:104. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if a vehicle long-term loan agreement on two vehicles (details supplied) will be reviewed in order to allow the ownership to be transferred to a person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38914/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Ex-military vehicles are considered to be valuable and historic museum pieces and as such my Department is required to manage control of ownership of such vehicles. In accordance with the Department of Defence's Stock Disposal Policy, these vehicles were made available on loan for the purpose of preserving and exhibiting them as museum pieces.
Under the terms of the 'Long Term Loan Agreement', these vehicles are not to be made road worthy. If the ownership of the vehicles were to be transferred, the Department would have no control over their use.
In that context, this request cannot be acceded to. However, I can assure you that my Department has no plans to seek the return of these vehicles.
Defence Forces Remuneration
Ceisteanna (105)
Peter Burke
Ceist:105. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence when payments will be made to a grade of persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38981/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Conciliation and Arbitration scheme for members of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) provides a formal mechanism for the PDF representative associations, i.e. RACO and PDFORRA, to engage with the Official side. Having regard to commitments under national public service pay agreements, the representative associations can make representations in relation to the pay and conditions of their members. Where agreement is not reached, it is open to both official and representative sides to refer the matter to an Adjudicator or an Arbitration Board.
There are a number of outstanding adjudication findings across the public service which cannot be implemented at this time having regard to the provisions of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act, 2009-2015. This includes an adjudication in respect of an increase in Technician Pay for Cooks in the Defence Forces.
The Public Service Stability Agreement 2018-2020, provides for consideration of a process to address any outstanding adjudications, having due regard to the question of their continued validity and cost implications. This process is the subject of ongoing consideration in the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. The outcome will inform the payment of the award.
Departmental Correspondence
Ceisteanna (106)
Clare Daly
Ceist:106. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if a copy of DMC47 will be provided to this Deputy. [39011/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I wish to advise the Deputy that this matter is receiving attention and I will revert to the Deputy in due course.
Defence Forces Remuneration
Ceisteanna (107)
Brian Stanley
Ceist:107. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans to address the pay and conditions of serving members of the Defence Forces in view of the fact that the Defence Forces have lost a considerable number of highly trained and experienced personnel due to low pay and general conditions. [39075/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Given the unique and demanding nature of military life, there is understandably a relatively high level of turnover among Defence Forces personnel. This is not new and the Defence Forces have always had a level of turnover that far exceeds other areas of the public service. In order to balance personnel turnover there is ongoing recruitment at both enlisted and officer level. This includes general service recruits, apprentices, cadets and direct entry officers.
Defence Forces pay is increasing in accordance with public sector pay agreements. The focus of these increases is weighted in favour of those on lower pay. Members of the Permanent Defence Force have received the pay increases due under the Lansdowne Road Agreement.
In addition in 2017, following negotiations with PDFORRA improved pay scales were implemented for general service recruits and privates, who joined the Permanent Defence Force post 1 January 2013.
New entrants to the Defence Forces will also benefit from the measures which were recently announced in relation to amendments to the pay scales for new entrant public servants recruited since January 2011.
The Public Service Stability Agreement 2018-2020 provides for increases in pay ranging from 6.2% to 7.4% over the lifetime of the Agreement. The first increase due from 1 January 2018 has been paid to Permanent Defence Force personnel and a second increase is due to be applied from 1 October 2018. Further increases are scheduled for 2019 and 2020.
By the end of the current Public Service Pay agreement (end 2020), the pay of all public servants (including members of the Defence Forces), earning under €70,000 per annum, will be restored to pre FEMPI levels. The restoration of the 5% reduction to allowances cut under FEMPI is also scheduled in the agreement.
The Public Service Pay Commission was established to provide objective advice to Government in relation to Public Service remuneration policy. In 2017, under my direction, the Department of Defence brought issues of recruitment and retention in the Defence Forces to the attention of the Public Sector Pay Commission (PSPC). As a direct result of that initiative the PSPC is now beginning an in-depth evidence based examination of those issues.
The Department of Defence has provided data as requested by the PSPC for consideration. The Commission's work is ongoing.
Defence Forces Recruitment
Ceisteanna (108)
Jack Chambers
Ceist:108. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of applicants recruited despite failing a psychometric test for each recruitment campaign undertaken in the Defence Forces since 2012, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39107/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The information sought by the Deputy has been requested from the military authorities. I will revert to the Deputy as soon as the information becomes available.
Ministerial Meetings
Ceisteanna (109)
Lisa Chambers
Ceist:109. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on his most recent meeting with Mr. Michel Barnier; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39024/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I met with Michel Barnier on 18 September in Brussels and discussed progress in the negotiations between the EU and UK on the Withdrawal Agreement and the Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland. Mr Barnier confirmed once again his view that without a backstop there can be no Withdrawal Agreement. He briefed me on his assessment that it is time to ‘de-dramatise’ the Protocol and focus on agreeing the workable solutions that it offers at its core. Ireland fully supports this approach and Mr Barnier’s continuing efforts to agree with the UK the Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland. We also discussed the future relationship between the EU and the UK. At the GAC (Article 50), and subsequently at the informal European Council meeting in Salzburg on 20 September, our EU partners strongly reaffirmed their support for Ireland and the importance of agreeing a legally-binding backstop, as well as repeating their support for Mr Barnier in his efforts to conclude an agreement. As time is short, it is a matter of urgency that the UK engage constructively with him and his team with the objective of making progress on reaching an agreement on the backstop ahead of the European Council on 17-18 October.
Brexit Issues
Ceisteanna (110, 111)
Lisa Chambers
Ceist:110. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he expects the 450 customs officials to be hired, in place and adequately trained before 29 March 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39025/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraLisa Chambers
Ceist:111. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if each Department has a contingency plan completed and ready to be operationalised in the event of a no-deal Brexit; if not, the Departments' contingency plans for a no-deal Brexit which remain to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39026/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 110 and 111 together.
The Government’s contingency planning for Brexit was initiated well in advance of the UK referendum in June 2016 and since my appointment as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade in June 2017 I have overseen a sustained intensification of these efforts. As part of these efforts, the Government is organising “Getting Ireland Brexit Ready” workshop events around Ireland to inform and advise about Brexit preparedness and the range of support measures and resources that the Government has put in place.
Co-ordination of the whole-of-Government response to Brexit is being taken forward through the cross-Departmental coordination structures chaired by my Department. The Government remains focused on work in the negotiations to conclude a withdrawal agreement.
On 18 July I presented a detailed Memorandum to the Government on Brexit Preparedness and Contingency Planning. The Memorandum included elements aimed at moving from planning to implementation in a number of key areas and the Government requested detailed follow-up proposals, including in regard to the recruitment of customs officers and staff responsible for sanitary and phytosanitary checks. The Government had a further discussion on contingency planning and Brexit preparedness on 18 September and agreed key steps including the necessary recruitment for 2019 of customs officials and staff responsible for SPS and health checks that may be necessary at ports and airports on an East West basis.
On 19 July, the European Commission published a paper on Preparing for the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union on 30 March 2019, calling on the EU27 Member States to intensify their preparedness efforts. The European Commission has offered guidance regarding potential consequences resulting from various Brexit scenarios, and where planning is focused on areas of exclusive EU or mixed competence, the role of the Commission will be of great importance and we continue to engage actively with the Commission on this work.
In areas of domestic action, the focus is on the necessary responses led by Government Departments and Agencies, as well as in areas where the preparedness response is driven primarily by stakeholders in individual sectors of the economy but with appropriate support from Government. Preparation and planning is ongoing across Government to address a range of Brexit scenarios, including a ‘no deal’ scenario, and Departments and agencies continue to develop and implement, as appropriate, Brexit preparedness and contingency planning in their areas of responsibility.
Brexit Negotiations
Ceisteanna (112)
Brendan Smith
Ceist:112. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of the backstop proposal for to Brexit following the recent European Council meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39103/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Following the informal European Council Summit in Salzburg on 20 September, the President of the European Council, Donald Tusk, restated the EU’s position that there will be no Withdrawal Agreement without a solid, operational and legally-binding Irish backstop. EU Leaders at the Summit reaffirmed their full support for Michel Barnier in his negotiations, including his efforts to ‘de-dramatise’ the backstop. Subsequently, on 21 September Prime Minister May stated that the UK would bring forward its own proposals on the backstop. The Government welcomes this initiative, and would urge that this is done as a matter of urgency, so that the negotiating teams can engage constructively on finalising the legal text of the Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland. The EU is of course willing to consider these proposals once tabled by the UK but has been clear that outcome must be fully consistent with the agreement reached in the Joint Progress Report of last December and the clear commitments and guarantees provided by the UK. The October European Council meeting on 18 October remains the target to achieve maximum progress and results in the negotiations. At that meeting, Ireland and our EU partners would then decide if conditions are sufficient to call an extraordinary summit in November to finalise and formalise the deal. Real progress on the backstop will be an essential part of that decision.
From the outset of these negotiations, the Government has been clear and consistent in our position that a hard border between Ireland and Northern Ireland must be avoided under any circumstances. A legally operable ‘backstop’ which avoids a hard border and protects the integrity of the single market is essential for agreeing the Withdrawal Agreement, so as to provide the certainty that no matter what the outcome of the negotiations on the future relationship, there will be no hard border on the island of Ireland.
Time is running short. As the Taoiseach said in Salzburg, we need to redouble our efforts over the coming weeks to make sure that we can successfully complete negotiations and agree a deal.
Irish Aid
Ceisteanna (113)
Niall Collins
Ceist:113. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the reason for the delay by Irish Aid in the transfer of its grant for 2018 to an organisation (details supplied) for onward distribution to missionary organisations; the timeline by which these funds will be transferred to the grantee; his plans to ensure such a delay does not occur in future years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39108/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I refer the Deputy to my recent reply to Question 122 on Tuesday 18 September 2018 in connection with the distribution of approved grants for NGOs. The organisation in question receives one of the highest annual grants of Irish Aid to a Civil Society organisation. In 2018, a total grant of €15.5m is foreseen. The first tranche of this funding, amounting to €10m, has recently been disbursed to the organisation with the balance of €5.5m to be transferred in the coming weeks. In keeping with normal Irish Aid practice for funding relationships on this scale, this year the organization in question will receive its grant in two tranches.
The organisation was established in 2004 with the assistance of my Department. It is the interface with the development work of Irish Missionary congregations, including the provision of relevant grants to missionary organisations for their work in Africa, Asia and South America in the provision of basic health and education services, sustainable livelihoods and human rights.
The organisation has 91 members (missionary organisations and lay organisations), all of which are registered in Ireland and hold charitable status.
In 2017, my Department agreed a new three year partnership linked to the implementation of the organisation’s new Strategic Plan, ‘Walking together to transform lives’, which framed a 2017 grant disbursement of €15.5m.
The organisation’s Annual Report and associated documentation for 2017 was submitted to my Department earlier this year, as part of my Department’s standard reporting requirements. The material was reviewed in line with normal procedures, following which the organisation was requested to provide further information and details of its work on the development of new results frameworks linked to its new Strategic Plan. This work seeks to aggregate the results of its different members around key themes such as education and health.
The organisation presented its work on results frameworks at a meeting held with my officials at the end of July. Following review of this additional material, the organisation’s 2018 grant was approved in line with the requirements of the new grant management system which the Department has implemented this year. This facilitated the release of the first tranche of the 2018 payment to the organisation.
Mortgage Protection Policies
Ceisteanna (114)
Clare Daly
Ceist:114. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Finance his plans to address the failure of insurance companies to offer mortgage protection insurance to persons who have previously experienced mental health difficulties but have been medically certified as having recovered. [38937/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Finance, I am responsible for the development of the legal framework governing financial regulation. Neither I nor the Central Bank of Ireland can interfere in the provision or pricing of insurance products, as these matters are of a commercial nature, and are determined by insurance companies based on an assessment of the risks they are willing to accept. This position is reinforced by the EU framework for insurance which expressly prohibits Member States from adopting rules which require insurance companies to obtain prior approval of the pricing or terms and conditions of insurance products. Consequently, I am not in a position to direct insurance companies as to the pricing level that they should apply to particular categories of individuals, nor am I in a position to direct them to provide cover to such individuals.
It is my understanding that insurers use a combination of rating factors in making their individual decisions on whether to offer mortgage protection cover and what terms to apply. These factors can include age, health, family medical history, occupation and lifestyle. In addition, these may be determined or linked to the length of time with which such a policy may last. In the case of mortgage protection policy, such policies tend to be over a much longer term, for example, 25 years or over the lifetime of the mortgage repayment schedule. Furthermore, my understanding is that insurers do not all use the same combination of rating factors, and as a result prices and availability of cover varies across the market, and that they will price in accordance with their own past claims experience.
Notwithstanding the above, my officials contacted Insurance Ireland to get further information on this specific issue. On that basis, I understand that Insurance Ireland noted applicants for any type of life assurance will be asked on the application form detailed health questions and that insurers may request one or more of the following in addition: a report from the applicant’s GP; an independent medical examination; or other medical tests. On the basis of the information provided, the application is considered individually and the decision on whether to offer cover and on what terms depends on the facts of that particular case.
Finally, I would note that Insurance Ireland operates a free Insurance Information Service for those who have queries, complaints or difficulties in relation to obtaining insurance. Insurance Ireland can be contacted at feedback@insuranceireland.eu or 01-6761914 and any person experiencing such difficulties as those mentioned in this Parliamentary Question may wish to make direct contact regarding their specific case.
Tax Rebates
Ceisteanna (115)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:115. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Finance the reason voluntary organisations providing services for persons with intellectual disabilities, many of whom also have physical disabilities, are not allowed the rebate on VAT, VRT and fuel available to other organisations dealing exclusively with persons with physical disabilities; if this issue will be examined in the context of the Budget and the finance bill 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39062/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am advised by Revenue that Statutory Instrument No. 353 of 1994, Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Regulations, 1994 (as amended by Statutory Instrument No. 55 of 2018) sets out the requirements for an organisation to qualify for a repayment of Vehicle Registration Tax and VAT under the Disabled Drivers scheme.
Regulation 2 provides that a qualifying organisation for the Scheme must be a charitable organisation within the meaning of the Charities Act 2009 (No. 6 of 2009), that is:
(a) entered in the register of charitable organisations under Part 3 of that Act, and
(b) whose purpose is to provide services to persons with disabilities, and
(c) in furtherance of that purpose, is engaged in the care and transport of disabled persons.
An applicant organisation must satisfy each of the provisions above and the adapted vehicles must be used to transport persons who hold a Primary Medical Certificate issued following assessment for eligibility under regulation 3 (medical criteria).
For vehicles to qualify for repayment they must be adapted in line with the requirements of regulation 12 to allow for the safe transport of disabled persons.
Given the scale and scope of the scheme I have no plans to change the qualifying criteria at this time.
Insurance Coverage
Ceisteanna (116)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:116. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Finance the reason persons who exit bankruptcy are unable to insure property (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39073/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Finance, I am responsible for the development of the legal framework governing financial regulation. Neither I nor the Central Bank of Ireland can interfere in the provision or pricing of insurance products, as these matters are of a commercial nature, and are determined by insurance companies based on an assessment of the risks they are willing to accept. This position is reinforced by the EU framework for insurance which expressly prohibits Member States from adopting rules which require insurance companies to obtain prior approval of the pricing or terms and conditions of insurance products. Consequently, I am not in a position to direct insurance companies to provide cover to any particular individual or category of individuals.
It is my understanding that insurers use a combination of rating factors in making their individual decisions on whether to offer insurance cover and what terms to apply. My understanding also is that insurance companies do not all use the same combination of rating factors, and as a result prices and availability of cover varies across the market. In addition, insurance companies will price in accordance with their own past claims experience.
Finally, taking account of the combination of factors referred to above, I would note that Insurance Ireland operates a free Insurance Information Service for those who have queries, complaints or difficulties in relation to obtaining insurance. Insurance Ireland can be contacted at feedback@insuranceireland.eu or 01-6761914 and the person that you refer to may wish to make direct contact regarding their specific case.
Flood Risk Management
Ceisteanna (117, 118)
Thomas Pringle
Ceist:117. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the CFRAM report into Kerrykeel, County Donegal; if funding has been allocated for bridge replacement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38957/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThomas Pringle
Ceist:118. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the bridge at Kerrykeel, County Donegal is included in the €3.2 million funding for the Burnfoot and Castlefinn flood relief scheme; when the €3,000 in funding referred to by Minister of State, Deputy McHugh, in a press release (details supplied) will be granted and used to build a new bridge design to address the persistent flooding of the surrounding area including the community sports facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39259/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 117 and 118 together.
On 3 May, 2018, the Office of Public Works (OPW) published 29 Flood Risk Management Plans covering the whole country, which proposed 118 new outline flood relief projects on top of the 42 major projects already completed and the 33 major schemes within the existing capital works programme of the OPW. In that regard funding of €257 million for an initial phase of 50 flood relief projects throughout the country was also announced which would be progressed to detailed design and construction, including the five largest schemes identified in the Plans and 31 small projects under €1 million which will be progressed directly by local authorities.
The proposed flood relief scheme at Kerrykeel, Co. Donegal with an estimated cost of €30,000 is included as a separate project in the 31 small projects under €1 million, and will be progressed directly by Donegal County Council with full funding from the OPW. The issue of the bridge will be addressed in the further development of the proposed works.
Flood Relief Schemes
Ceisteanna (119, 120, 122, 123)
Catherine Martin
Ceist:119. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the consultant tendering process that was followed by the Office of Public Works to award the contract for the lower Lee flood relief scheme. [38959/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraCatherine Martin
Ceist:120. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the reason the assessment of the Office of Public Works on the feasibility of a tidal barrier did not include the location outlined by a company (details supplied) in its alternative proposal. [38960/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraCatherine Martin
Ceist:122. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the independent cost controls in place for works carried out by the Office of Public Works; and the cost controls that have been utilised on the lower Lee flood relief scheme. [38962/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraCatherine Martin
Ceist:123. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the reason there is a gap between the costing of independent experts of between €120 million and €180 million for a tidal barrier and the OPW's report costing of €1 billion for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38963/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions. Nos. 119, 120, 122 and 123 together.
The Office of Public Works (OPW) has developed the proposed flood relief scheme for Cork City following 11 years of detailed scientific and engineering study and design which has been carried out with the benefit of ongoing and regular public consultation with the general public and other key stakeholders.
The tender notice for the Main Engineering Consultancy contract on the Lower Lee Flood Relief Scheme was advertised on the Irish government’s eTenders website and also on the Official Journal of the European Union, the European Public Procurement website, in September 2012. This was an Open Procedure and tenders were scored on a number of relevant criteria. As a result of this process, Arup Consulting Engineers scored the highest and were appointed as Main Design Engineers on the scheme in 2013.
Over the course of the following four years, the design consultants, in conjunction with the scheme’s environmental consultants, along with the Steering Group on the project with representatives of the OPW, Cork City Council, Cork County Council and the ESB considered and assessed all options to deal with the complex flooding from Inniscarra to Cork City. This process eventually identified a solution, which is the optimum and only technically viable flood relief scheme for Cork City.
The scheme was brought to formal public exhibition in December 2016 and, as part of the consultation process, a number of specific reports were produced and provided to the public on other alternative options which had been put forward but which were not viable solutions. Included in these reports was a very comprehensive report on the potential for a tidal barrier in Cork called “Supplementary Report – Option of a Tidal Barrier” which set out the costs of various possible tidal barriers at different locations.
A local group opposed to the identified scheme commissioned a report by HR Wallingford to undertake a cost estimate only on a concept barrier at Little Island. This report estimated the cost of a tidal barrier at Little Island at €165 million, including 25 years of operation and maintenance costs but noted that significant further study would be required to establish the required details of a suitable barrier and hence to provide an accurate cost estimate.
The detailed OPW report examined the Little Island barrier option as proposed by the local group opposed to the preferred scheme but the alignment, geometry, gate sizes etc. of this option were found to be unsuitable. The Little Island option was assessed in particular in Sections 5.4, 8 and 9 of the OPW report. An option to locate a tidal barrier at Great Island was considered the most technically suitable and this was costed at c. €1bn in the OPW report.
The difference in cost estimates of the two reports can be explained by the fact that the OPW cost estimate includes the following costs which are not accounted for in the HR Wallingford cost estimate:
- Cost of modifications to the barrier alignment, including additional lengths of barrier gates, required to address technical issues with the concept put forward by the stakeholder group
- The cost of flood defences required to mitigate residual fluvial flood risk upstream of Cork City
- The cost of measures required to mitigate a predicted flood bypass route around the north of Little Island
- Uplift in contingency cost due to increased baseline construction costs
- Uplift in operation & maintenance costs to allow for a 50 year maintenance duration, and due to increased baseline construction costs
All works carried out by the OPW are subject to robust cost control procedures which are in full conformity with the requirements of the Public Spending Code. In the first instance an individual project budget is prepared at the beginning of each project, which is then monitored and adjusted as required during the different stages of Feasibility, Public Exhibition, Detailed Design etc. All major flood relief projects are subject to a rigorous Cost Benefit Analysis which is prepared in line with best international practice and updated at key stages of project development. The project budget is approved by the Board of Commissioners of Public Works before being submitted to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform for final statutory approval or Confirmation by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform under the Arterial Drainage Acts 1945 and 1995.
All public works contracts awarded by the OPW are procured through competitive tendering procedures to ensure best value for money and all procurement is carried out in full compliance with national and EU procurement rules.
At project implementation stage, all costs are closely monitored by the project steering group to ensure that all potential significant cost variations are identified in a timely manner and all possible steps taken to address the underlying issues. Detailed cost reports and budget analyses are prepared on a monthly basis and considered at the monthly project steering group meetings. Project expenditure is monitored on an ongoing basis by the OPW and is discussed at monthly expenditure control meetings chaired by a member of the Management Board. All project budgets and expenditure within OPW are also subject to independent audits from the Comptroller and Auditor General.
All of the above cost monitoring and control procedures are in place for the Lower Lee (Cork City) Flood Relief Scheme.
Flood Relief Schemes Expenditure
Ceisteanna (121)
Catherine Martin
Ceist:121. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the expenditure on the Bandon flood relief scheme. [38961/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Expenditure to date on the Bandon Flood Relief Scheme is €18.5 million including design, development and construction costs to date.
Questions Nos. 122 and 123 answered with Question No. 119.
Road Improvement Schemes
Ceisteanna (124)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:124. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when funding will be made available to carry out works on a road (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39079/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Office of Public Works has no responsibility in this instance as the road in question is not in its care.
Public Sector Staff Remuneration
Ceisteanna (125)
Seán Crowe
Ceist:125. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the issue of pay inequality in the public service will be addressed in budget 2019 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39125/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Public Service Stability Agreement 2018-2020 (PSSA), provided that an examination of remaining salary scale issues in respect of post January 2011 recruits at entry grades would be undertaken within 12 months of the commencement of the Agreement, and on conclusion of this work the parties would discuss and agree how the issues might be addressed under the terms of the PSSA.
In accordance with the Public Service Pay and Pensions Act 2017, I submitted a report to the Oireachtas on the 16th of March regarding remaining salary scale issues in respect of new entrant public servants. As detailed in the Report, the costs are annualised and an increment date of 1 January is assumed to give the full one year cost for over 60,500 staff identified as new entrants. However, increment dates across the year vary significantly by individual and sector while salary scales and the structure of such scales across the public service as they affect individuals is not consistent. The report also quantified the cost of a two point adjustment as approximately €200m and the potential benefit to the individual as €3,301 on average.
In recognition of this, since the publication of the report, my Department, in support of the discussions between the parties, has engaged in further work to assess and model the potential budgetary implications and impacts through phasing of the overall quantum.
Discussions on the issue with public service trade unions and representative associations, commenced in October 2017, with a further plenary meeting taking place on 27th of April last following the publication of the report.
Agreement was reached, on Monday 24th September, between the parties to the Public Service Stability Agreement on a measure which provides a pathway to addressing the concerns of those recruited to our public service since 2011 in a balanced and sustainable way. It provides a fair and affordable path to managing the €200m cost associated with the issue.
In general, the agreement provides for two separate interventions which will take place at point 4 and point 8 of pay scales. The practical effect of this is that for ‘new entrants’ the relevant points on the scale will be bypassed thereby reducing the time spent (by bypassing two increment points) on the scale for progression to the maximum point.
The cost of this measure during the remaining term of the PSSA is €75m (€27m in 2019 and €48m in 2020). The full cost of the measure based on current data and public service numbers (2017) will cost €190m out to 2026. It is estimated some 58% (35,750) of ‘new entrants’ will benefit from this measure in year 1 rising to 78% (47,750) by year 2.
The benefits under the measure will become effective from 1 March 2019, will be applied to each eligible new entrant as they reach the relevant scale points on their current increment date, and will be restricted to Parties adhering to the Public Service Stability Agreement 2018-2020.
Private Schools
Ceisteanna (126)
Joan Collins
Ceist:126. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the governance of a school (details supplied) is in accordance with Irish law in view of the fact that the school operates as two separate schools via the one legal entity; and if he is satisfied that the funds received by the school regulated by his Department are not being used for the benefit of the primary school which is part of the same limited company. [38922/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The post primary school St. Killian’s Deutsche Schule, Roebuck Road, Clonskeagh Dublin 14 referred to by the Deputy is a Department recognised fee charging school which receives a staffing allocation from my Department in line with all other fee paying schools.
As a post primary fee charging school St. Killian Deutsche Schule receives no capitation funding from my Department and operates on a pupil teacher ratio of 23:1 as opposed to 19:1 for all schools in the free education scheme.
Teacher allocations for schools are approved annually by my Department in accordance with established rules based on recognised pupil enrolment.
The recruitment and appointment of teachers to fill teaching posts is a matter for the individual school authority, subject to procedures agreed under Section 24(3) of the Education Act 1998 (as amended by the Education (Amendment) Act 2012).
The primary school referred to by the Deputy is a private fee charging primary school. Private fee charging primary schools are not recognised schools under the Education Act and my Department has no responsibility regarding the funding of such schools.
School Accommodation Provision
Ceisteanna (127)
John Curran
Ceist:127. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his Department has compiled the relevant information necessary to adequately reply to a previous parliamentary question from this Deputy on the number of classes being accommodated in prefabricated classrooms; the number that have been using prefabricated classrooms for two, three, five and more than five years, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38927/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I can confirm to the Deputy that funding is being provided by my Department in respect of rented prefabricated accommodation for the schools indicated in the below table. In this regard I wish to advise the Deputy that it is a matter for the Board of Management of each individual school to determine how classes are accommodated in the property that is available to the school.
Number of Schools with prefab rentals as at 25/09/2018
|
Rental Commenced in 2016 (i.e. 2 years) |
Rental commenced in 2015 (i.e. 3 years) |
Rental commenced in 2013 (i.e. 5 years) |
Rental commenced in 2012 or earlier (i.e. more than 5 years) |
|
82 |
64 |
24 |
150 |
We are building more schools and providing more additional school places than ever before. We have doubled the number of additional school places being provided since 2010. In 2010, some 9,000 school places were created. In 2017, we built approximately 19,000.
The Department recognises that prefabs are a short term solution to urgent accommodation needs and utilises them for such purpose.
It is worth noting that in 2008, about 2,000 rented prefabs were in use, for a smaller school population. At the end of 2017 there were 1,325 rented prefabs, located in 345 schools (256 primary and 89 post-primary), even though there are almost double the amount of new pupils entering the school system than was in 2008. In 2017, we spent half what was being spent in 2008 on rented prefabs.
We are planning for the future. As part of Project Ireland 2040, we will invest €8.4 billion in school buildings over the next decade. This compares to €4.9 billion for the previous 10 year period (2008 to 2017). Project Ireland includes a 70% increase in schools capital funding compared to the past decade (€4.9 billion to €8.4 billion). Investment will rise to €1 billion in 2027, compared to €540 million investment in 2018. This €8.4 billion will allow for;
- Prefab replacement
- Deep refurbishment of existing buildings
- Modernisation of Science and P.E. facilities
- Investment in Digital technology in schools
We are taking an integrated approach with the Prefab Replacement Scheme through the replacement of prefabs as part of large-scale projects or as part of new projects approved under the Additional Accommodation Scheme. Construction work on these projects in 2018 and 2019 will facilitate the replacement of over 600 prefabs.
The Department’s Additional Accommodation Scheme is a key mechanism for putting permanent accommodation solutions in place. The projects approved under the Department’s Additional Accommodation Scheme are listed on the Department’s website and updated on a weekly basis. 156 of these projects are currently at construction with a further 495 projects in design. Also, as part of the Prefab Replacement Programme, Department approvals under the Additional Accommodation Scheme will now also factor in appropriate provision for the replacement of existing prefabs at the relevant schools. For example, if a school requires an additional classroom and also has a class in a prefab it will be approved for 2 permanent classrooms to be delivered on a devolved basis under the Additional Accommodation Scheme.
School Transport Tendering
Ceisteanna (128)
Kathleen Funchion
Ceist:128. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason the school transport system was not put out for tender. [38954/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
School transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department.
In the 2017/18 school year over 117,000 children, including over 12,000 children with special educational needs, were transported in over 4,500 vehicles on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country covering over 100 million kilometres annually at a total cost of almost €190 million in 2017.
This service is delivered using a mix of Bus Éireann, both school transport and road passenger vehicles, and private contractor vehicles. In this regard over 90% of school transport services are provided by private operator vehicles under contract to Bus Éireann.
The Value for Money Review published in 2011 recommended that a single national organiser (separate from the Department of Education and Skills) with a regional dimension should operate the scheme. The Review further recommended that the single national organiser should continue to be Bus Éireann.
Bus Éireann is obliged to tender all works, goods and services in line with the European Directives on public procurement, which includes school transport services performed by contractors under the School Transport Scheme. In this regard, some 20% of services provided by contractors are put out to tender each year and five year contracts are generally awarded following this tender process.
Bus Éireann is satisfied that the tendering process is a competitive process which allows the Company achieve value for money, enables eligible parties to participate, provides transparency on how contracts are awarded, and facilitates equality of treatment. All of those elements reflect public procurement requirements at both a national and EU level. The rules of the process and conditions of tendering are clearly outlined in the tender documentation.
School Transport Administration
Ceisteanna (129)
Kathleen Funchion
Ceist:129. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Education and Skills the exact process of the school transport lottery system. [38955/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
School transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department.
In the 2017/18 school year over 117,000 children, including over 12,000 children with special educational needs, were transported in over 4,500 vehicles on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country covering over 100 million kilometres annually at a total cost of almost €190 million in 2017.
Children are generally eligible for school transport if they satisfy the distance criteria and are attending their nearest school.
Children who are eligible for school transport and who have completed the application process on time have been accommodated on school transport services for the current school year where such services are in operation.
Children who are not eligible for school transport may apply for transport on a concessionary basis only and will be facilitated where spare seats are available after eligible children have been accommodated.
Where the number of applications for school transport on a concessionary basis exceeds the number of spare seats available, tickets are allocated using an agreed selection process; existing concessionary applicants and their siblings, who paid on time, are given first priority.
The terms of the School Transport Schemes are applied equitably on a national basis.
School Transport Availability
Ceisteanna (130)
Kathleen Funchion
Ceist:130. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the school transport situation in the Paulstown, Gowan and Goresbridge areas of County Kilkenny whereby a large number of students cannot avail of school transport (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38956/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
School transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department.
In the 2017/18 school year over 117,000 children, including over 12,000 children with special educational needs, were transported in over 4,500 vehicles on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country covering over 100 million kilometres annually at a total cost of almost €190 million in 2017.
Children are generally eligible for school transport if they satisfy the distance criteria and are attending their nearest school.
Children who are eligible for school transport and who have completed the application process on time will be accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation for the 2018/19 school year.
Children who are not eligible for school transport may apply for transport on a concessionary basis only and will be facilitated where spare seats are available after eligible children have been accommodated. Where the number of ineligible children exceeds the number of spare seats available Bus Éireann will allocate tickets for the spare seats using an agreed selection process.
Under the terms of the scheme, routes will not be extended or altered, additional vehicles will not be introduced, nor will larger vehicles or extra trips using existing vehicles be provided to cater for children who are not eligible as no additional State cost will be incurred in covering the cost of providing school transport for children who are not eligible.
Bus Éireann has advised that all services from the areas referred to by the deputy are currently operating to capacity.
The terms of the School Transport Schemes are applied equitably on a national basis.